Heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The plaque is composed primarily of cholesterol deposits, which can accumulate over time and congest the arteries. The narrowed blood vessels cannot deliver sufficient blood, and chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a heart attack can result. Although grapefruit pectin may help to decrease plaque, consult a health-care professional if you have high cholesterol or symptoms of heart disease.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a risk factor in coronary artery disease because of its relationship to plaque buildup. Heart attacks occur when plaque either blocks the artery leading to a section of the heart or actually breaks loose and causes a clot in a coronary artery. One of the basic medical management strategies in coronary artery disease is to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by diet changes, weight loss or medication. Grapefruit juice has been helpful for weight loss, and grapefruit pectin may help to reduce cholesterol.
Grapefruit
The grapefruit is one of the largest citrus fruits. It grows on trees in clusters similar to grapes, which may account for the name. Grapefruit can be red, pink or white, seeded or seedless. It was first mentioned in the 1700s as the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados. In the early 20th century, grapefruit became popular as part of the so-called "Hollywood Diet," which advocated limiting food intake to 800 calories a day, with grapefruit consumption at each meal. Grapefruit pectin occurs in the fruit's skin and fiber.
The Research
In a study published in the September 1988 issue of "Clinical Cardiology" and cited by more than 40 later studies, human volunteers with high cholesterol ate either grapefruit pectin or placebo for 16 weeks. No other changes occurred in their diets or lifestyle. Grapefruit pectin supplementation decreased three of the fats, called lipids, in the blood. Cholesterol dropped over 7 percent. Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, dropped almost 11 percent. LDL is considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease when it is elevated. The ratio of LDL to cholesterol also decreased almost 10 percent. All of these changes are considered beneficial for people with high cholesterol. Another study reported in the March 1994 issue of "Circulation" found grapefruit pectin did not reduce cholesterol but did decrease artery-narrowing and atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries -- in pigs.
Considerations and Warnings
Eating grapefruit is generally regarded safe, although there have been a few allergic responses to pectin, found in the fiber of the grapefruit as well as in the skin. In clinical trials, blood fat measurements improved with consumption of one grapefruit a day, says Drugs.com. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease; if you have concerns about either condition, consult a health care professional.
References
- "Clinical Cardiology"; The Effects of Grapefruit Pectin on Patients at Risk For Coronary Heart Disease Without Altering Diet or Lifestyle; J. J. Cerda, et. al.; September 1988
- Drugs.com; Grapefruit; 2009
- "Circulation"; Inhibition of Atherosclerosis by Dietary Pectin in Microswine With Sustained Hypercholesterolemia; J. J. Cerda, et. al.; March 1994
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Coronary Artery Disease (CAD); Dec. 7, 2009
